Worrell Is D-III Coach Of the Year

Nobody asked all that much from Ramsey Worrell this autumn. Just take over the Woodstock High football program from the man who coached it to a boatload of state championships over more than three decades. And keep the Wasps competitive. And near the top of Vermont Division III. Again.

Check. Check. Check. No wonder Worrell’s peers have named him the division’s coach of the year.

A former Woodstock running back and defensive back, Worrell guided Woodstock to a perfect 11-0 campaign and its third straight Vermont D-III state title with last month’s overtime defeat of Mill River at Rutland High School. Worrell accepted the challenge of succeeding his former coach, Jim McLaughlin, and ran with it as Woodstock extended its ongoing dominance of the division with the 10th state football championship in school history. The Wasps will carry a 31-game winning streak into next season as defending champs.

The Wasps’ campaign also produced a healthy supply of all-state selections, with senior Oliver Kaija leading the way. Kaija earned first-team inclusion on both sides of the football, finishing third in the Upper Valley in rushing with 1,223 yards and 21 touchdowns while also powering a defense that posted three shutouts and led the division in regular-season points allowed.

Senior Kyle Longley joined Kaija on the first-team offense for his line play. Woodstock also placed junior Will Gault (line) and seniors Sam and Zack Cole (secondary) on the first-team defense. Senior Tom Bauman made the divisional first team as a returner.

Windsor’s Ethan Hill joined Kaija as a two-time first-team choice. Hill ranked second in the region in rushing (1,530 yards, 20 TDs) while also excelling at linebacker. He was joined on the all-league team by teammates Matt Thayer (first-team offensive line, second-team linebacker), Jesse Picknell (first-team defensive line) and Tyson Boudro (second-team receiver).

Oxbow placed two on the all-state team. Jordan Eastman, the Upper Valley’s top wide receiver (943 yards, 11 TDs), drew first-team accolades, and teammate Dylan Hatin made the second team at defensive line.

West Canaan — Efforts by New Hampshire’s basketball referees and Upper Valley basketball fans on Friday night raised more than $5,000 to help Hartford High girls hoop coach Ed Kehoe’s battle with cancer.

Organized by IAABO Board 128, the evening showcased five Upper Valley girls teams in a series of 16-minute mini-games played at Mascoma Valley Regional High School. Donations, raffles, concession and ticket sales all contributed to the final figure.

That total included nearly $1,000 from T-shirt sales and another $500 from the officials in Board 128, plus a $100 gas card donation. Additional money may be coming in from IAABO Board 118, whose officials were also on hand for the games on Friday.

Kehoe has taken the year off from his coaching duties at Hartford to deal with his medical issues. At the same time, his brother, Tim, has also taken a year off from his job as Lebanon High girls coach to support his older brother.